Nouns and Sounds

Laureate Learning Systems is a software developer which provides educational software for people with special needs. The software is designed to attack each need of the student and successfully allow the user to move on to the next step in their learning process. The software uses the Direct Instruction approach as it provides users with instructions to enhance their cognitive development.

The Nouns and Sounds software is aimed at persons who have Developmental Disabilities, Language-Learning Disabilities, Low Vision, Hearing Impairments or are Autistic. It can be used from the age of 3 even into adulthood as there are 3 different levels of difficulty suitable to different age groups. Users can even use the drill and practice method by redoing a skill level as many times as necessary or they can allow the program to formulate the the instruction based on their given answers.

This proves to be effective as common and everyday concepts are used to familiarize students with their everyday environment. They learn to link sounds to animals, vehicles and objects thus increase their language development. There are vivacious and colourful characters which appear upon each successful answer to further motivate and interest students.

To view a video on the Nouns and Sounds software, click here.

Kidspiration

Kidspiration is an award-winning piece of educational software best known for developing thinking skills with its Picture View, literacy skills with its Writing View and numeracy skills with its Math View. It also serves as an efficient tool for teachers in creating worksheets, lesson plans and other activities for their classes.

Having tried the software myself, Kidspiration seems to be suitable for children between the ages of 5 -12 as it provides a wide range of visual aids and activities to appeal to children of different learning levels. It echoes the Constructivist Approach to education as it allows children to construct their own knowledge with simple tools to guide them along the way. It also supports the beliefs of theorists such as Lev Vygotsky as it provides students with the support necessary to master tasks that they may not yet be able to do alone, but with the interactive assistance of Kidspiration, they can effectively accomplish their goals.

Kidspiration is user-friendly with its visual workspace which invites students to explore, think and create naturally, intuitively and independently. The toolbars also have an audio interface for students who are still building on their reading skills.

Within the Math View, students can explore and practice basic Mathematical concepts. Activities are also available to assist in strengthening lessons.

Within the picture view, students can type search queries within the search bar on the left-hand tool bar. This will provide a range of pictures for them to possibly use within their workspace. Another feature allows them to create their own drawings to add to their current workspace.

They can develop their writing skills by creating linkages with their pictures to produce stories which can then be integrated into the Writing View by simply clicking the icon on the toolbar. There is also a Word Guide which acts as a Dictionary and Thesaurus to aid in the writing process; the audio guide is also at work within this feature. When they're finished, students also have the option of printing their work or finalizing within a word processor.

http://www.inspiration.com/kidspiration

Math Workshop Deluxe

Math Workshop Deluxe is a piece of educational software targeted at children 6-12 years of age It is designed to appeal to the learner by incorporating games and activities into the typical Math lesson.

This software exposes new knowledge to learners and provides resources for developing newly acquired skills through games and activities suitable to the current skill level. Learners are encouraged to use this program with its vivid colours, characters and variety of activities.

The program includes many drills to increase proficiency in basic Math skills, thus allowing learners the opportunity to practice till they feel confident enough within a particular lesson.